Kouga was not pleased as the rest of the story processed through his brain. He wasn't blind to note that Setsuna wasn't with the group this morning. What was really bothering him though was what Hakkaku had informed him as he walked by him. Ginta had accompanied Setsuna on her visit to the wolf council. This news combined with the story he just heard was not a good notion, in fact he did not like the feeling he was receiving at all. However, these thoughts were placed away as a scent hit his nose, and Serenity bared her fangs.

"It's her, one of the ones that slain the members of my pack." Serenity growled out. InuYasha blinked and looked over at the akeala with a gaze of confusion.

"What are you going on about?" He asked.

"Can you not feel it, that lonely, empty feeling?" Serenity returned. Though InuYasha couldn't sense what she did, he wasn't so egotistical to not trust another's senses. The Inu-tachi plus Kouga froze at that description only one of Naraku's incarnations had that description. Kagome gulped and drew a steady arrow from her quiver lining with the direction that Serenity faced.

"Kan'na." Kagome whispered, and with that the group efficiently scattered for battle.

Marilla tilted her head as the winds slipped off the mountain base they had approached. The air radiated purity that almost made her demon self convulse. She had heard of Mt. Hakurei having this kind of power, but she had never experienced it up close. Using the very slivers of her cat irises she slid them to the corner of her eyes and glanced at the Taiyoukai. Absently she wondered if the pure barrier had any effect on him, though his expression belied nothing. Then again, his expression never revealed anything that resembled emotion. Though motion toward her feet had her eyes instead studying Jaken.

Unlike Sesshomaru, Jaken was showing full-force what just standing by the barrier was doing to him. He was swaying and sweating while trying to stand while his grip on his staff kept slipping. Ironically though he still had enough willpower as it were to complain, loudly. Marilla merely sighed through her nose and instead let her attention drift to An-Uh and his passenger.

Beside Sesshomaru, little Rin was the only one who showed no effect from the pure barrier. This could be because she was human, but the rumors of the mountain belied such a statement. As corrupted humans often found their souls forfeit to the mountain barrier. Tired of thinking on it, her attention shifted back to the undisputed leader of this little excursion. First, she forcefully shoved the memories of her interaction with Serenity to the corner of her mind. The last thing she need was that male wolf bothering her thoughts and making herself more ill.

Sesshomaru watched his group silently as he always did. He said little, and reacted not all, but his eyes caught every tiny detail that passed his way. As it appeared that he was studying the mountain his attention was instead on his company. His thoughts, as it were, fell first on little Rin, with no doubt that An-Uh could not traverse well over this part of the journey. Though he could not leave Rin unattended here as well, and though it would not be safe on the mountain with him, she would be far safer with him. With that thought in mind, he spared a little of his yôkai toward An-Uh who perked up a little as the energy encircled him. Through out the whole time, his countenance change not at all. He then moved his attention away from the more innocent pair to the yokai at his feet.

Sesshomaru may never say, and it would be hell on earth before his actions express it, but he actually did tolerate Jaken with an inkling to liking his little servant. True that Jaken did get on his near untouchable nerves, but he was vastly loyal. In this day and age it was hard, if not impossible to find that kind of loyalty. Silently he thanked his little servant for his loyalty, ability to amuse Rin, and fair company, even if he was immensely annoying. All these thoughts would die with him though, and they would never cross his lips or eyes. So, with an iota of thanks and concern he turned a little yôkai toward Jaken. Now, if only he would just shut up for five minutes.

His attention fell on his new addition with something of confusion. He wasn't quite sure why he allowed this cat demon anywhere near him, as the cat tribe and his tribe don't have a very good history. That was putting their wars mildly, but there was nothing to be done. He had allowed her accompaniment, and this Sesshomaru never took anything back. Besides she wasn't completely useless like most cat demons of the tribe, as she could actually fight. Sesshomaru had to also admire the fact that she stood undaunted at the mountain's base. Still though, that was only the base, her merit would be tried on the mountain. He scanned his group once more and he could of laughed in irony.

The group that accompanied him was comprised of the things he hated the most. An annoyance that never shut up, never went away for long, and was pledged to him for life. A demon that never seemed to aggressive, almost passive in it's demonic skills. Add that a useless ningen girl, and a cat demon, and Sesshomaru's day was pretty much screwed. Though, he thought as he glanced over them once more, they are not so bad, for what they are. With that he started to walk forward, but first he had something to do.

"Jaken." He stated.

"Yes, Mi'lord?" Jaken wheezed out, bowing to please.

"Shut up." He commanded, cold and to the point.

"?" Jaken's expression was priceless, and the silence was so blissful. Sesshomaru didn't stop the smirk that settled on his lips as his steps carried him up the mountain.

Short, I know, but I have very little time to myself anymore. Don't worry I do plan on longer chapters, and actually quicker updates these coming months. WCB. Nice to hear from you all again!